Clinical Scientist

The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust; Newcastle upon Tyne; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is seeking a motivated scientist to join the Genetics laboratories in Newcastle. You will coordinate testing for a broad range of genetic conditions, prepare reports and liaise closely with clinicians and Genetic Technologist staff.

A major component is supporting new guidelines for pathogenicity assessment in cancer. Applicants with MSc/PhD in Genetics and laboratory experience are welcome; HCPC registration is ideal, with progression

Qualifications

• First class or second class BSc degree in an appropriate subject with a strong genetics component.
• State registered clinical scientist in molecular genetics or cytogenetics (or equivalent) with HCPC registration.
• Post graduate qualification (Master's or PhD) in an appropriate subject.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate testing for a range of genetic conditions.
• Prepare reports and liaise with clinical colleagues and Genetic Technologist staff.
• Supervise technical, junior and trainee staff in the section.
• Provide specialist advice to clinicians on genetic tests.

Skills

Communication skills

Team supervision

Diagnostic genetics knowledge

Laboratory reporting

Flexibility in work patterns

Education

BSc in genetics or related

Masters or PhD in Genetics (optional)

HCPC registration or plan to register

Job description

The successful candidate will be a motivated and reliable individual and will join a team of around 100 Scientific and Technical staff in the Genetics laboratories in Newcastle. They will be required to deliver coordination of testing for a range of genetic conditions, in addition to preparing reports and liaising closely with clinical colleagues and Genetic Technologist staff. A broad knowledge of diagnostic genetics and good communication, team working and supervisory skills are essential. A major component of this one year fixed term post will be to support the introduction of new guidelines for assessment of pathogenicity of somatic variants in acquired cancer., We would be willing to consider applications from individuals with alternative qualifications such as an MSc or PhD in Genetics, with significant laboratory and analytical experience in a relevant clinical setting. Any successful candidates who are not yet registered would be expected to work towards HCPC registration and would be appointed on an appropriate percentage of the pay for fully qualified staff during the training period.

• Analysis, interpretation and reporting of genetic tests for a broad range of inherited disorders and acquired cancers guided by clearly defined policies and procedures.
• Service development in own area.
• Limited responsibility for an additional component of the genetics service.
• Providing specialist advice to clinicians on specific genetic tests.
• Supervision of technical, junior and trainee staff in section.
• Practical and theoretical training of scientific & technical staff.
  Candidates should ideally be either State Registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) or should achieve State Registration within the first year. State Registration will be required for full assimilation onto band 7 (successful candidates within one year of HCPC registration would be appointed at 75% of band 7 until registration was achieved). All applicants should have direct experience of the work of a diagnostic genetics service., First class or second class BSc degree in an appropriate subject with a strong genetics component
• State registered clinical scientist in molecular genetics or cytogenetics with the Health and Care Professions Council (Master's Degree equivalence)
• Previous experience as a pre-registration scientist in a diagnostic genetics laboratory
• Excellent laboratory bench skills
• Communication and organisational skills
• Basic computer skills, Successful completion of clinical scientist training evidenced by award of Certificate of Competence by the Clinical Molecular Genetics Society or Association for Clinical Cytogenetics or completion of the Modernising Scientific Careers Genetics STP
• Post graduate qualification either Master's degree or PhD in an appropriate subject
• Significant experience in a diagnostic genetics laboratory
• Staff supervisory experience
  We provide testing for a wide variety of inherited and acquired conditions for a local population of over three million people, as well as services provided for the North East and Yorkshire Genomic Laboratory Hub. In addition we provide specialised services to patients throughout the UK and internationally. The Newcastle Genetics laboratory is housed in purpose built accommodation at the Institute of Genetic Medicine near to Newcastle city centre, and has a close association with the high profile academic groups working in the Institute of Genetic Medicine research laboratories., As a flexible working friendly organisation, we want to be sure that you can work in a way that is best for us and for our patients, and for you. Speak to us about how we might be able to accommodate a flexible working arrangement. If it works for the service, we will do our best to make it work for you.
• With around 2 million contacts with patients every year, we deliver care from:
• Royal Victoria Infirmary (RVI)
• Freeman Hospital
• Newcastle Dental Hospital
• Cramlington Manor Walks
• Urgent treatment centres
• Newcastle Fertility Centre
• Northern Centre for Cancer Care, North Cumbria
• Northern Genetics Service

These include a range of flagship services which deliver cutting-edge care (supported by state-of-the- art diagnostic services in both radiology and pathology) and are a catalyst for innovation to support pioneering clinical practice in the NHS. We also have offices at Regent Point in Gosforth and community sites.